I'm a bit lost about how acting work. So far I only did seven extra jobs. If I want to be SAG elgible via extra work, I have to get 3 SAG vouchers.

But I do not understand this logic. Are those 3 vouchers from people who were suppose to show up on set but did not? I'm suppose to hope for someone not to show up for work 3 times? And the mob of non union behind me do not get any of these limited vouchers? What strange is I will go their early and the tables are clearly divided between SAG/ the rest of us. How does a non union extra get a SAG voucher?

Though I do not want to join SAG right away, I would like to be eligible. Independent movie sound like a good start but how do I find such roles and how can you tell if it would be shown and not shelved in someone's basement?

So far I'm with Central Casting and Background INC in NY, is their an extra agency someone would recommend?

THANKS!!!!

First of all, you're right not to want to join SAG right away (read the union's job figures).

SAG vouchers are a bit of a roulette game. As I understand it, it's pretty much at the discretion of production - which can come down to a very distracted assistant in some cases. There's no doubt some route these to people they know or friends of friends; probably people they find attractive from time to time as well. Otherwise, I doubt there's any formula.

It's good to do independent films precisely because you're NOT SAG and can still do the non-unions. You want to do as many of these as you can and then try to beg and scrape copies of your scenes (which is often what it takes). I wouldn't worry too much about whether they'll ever be shown - I doubt the producers know that in many cases. What you want is experience and as much material as you can get for a reel. Not to mention the contacts you can build up with people who themselves might be starting their careers (I once heard - haven't verified - that Robert DeNiro and Harvey Keitel did a student film with Scorcese and then stuck with him from there.)

I wouldn't count on these for SAG credits, though. Either they're already SAG (in which case you might get booked, but it's less likely) or they're either non-union or done under a SAG contract which specifically specifies that non-union does NOT get become SAG by doing the film.

But you should certainly do them where you can (and yes, many are chaotic). It's experience, footage and contacts. All of which will probably be much harder to get once you're bound by union restrictions (unless you're one of the lucky few who starts working soon after you join.)

You could also join AFTRA and then do your best to do ANY principal job under that union. After a year, that would make you SAG-eligible. But you're also not supposed to do non-union work once you join AFTRA, so think about that as well.

Cyrus, one thing you can do is to make sure the extra casting agencies know about any special skills you have. If you juggle, ride a motorcycle, etc. I can't think of others but you know what i mean. Also, make sure you have a police officer and nurse uniform and evening wear. If you have other weird attire, list it. You are more likely to get a voucher if you are the only one with something extra to contribute.